North Carolina Extension & Community Association Spring District Day

On Friday, April 17, 2015 the West District of the North Carolina Extension and Community Association held its Spring District Day at the Forest City First Baptist Church. A total of eighty-seven members and guest enjoyed morning and afternoon sessions. Nine counties were represented: McDowell, Cleveland, Buncombe, Henderson, Cherokee, Mitchell, Jackson, Watauga, and Rutherford.

Bringing greetings from the local level were Steve Garrison, County Manager and Jeff Bradley, County Extension Director. Special guests attending from the State Leadership Team included Wanda Denning, Past President/Advisor; current president, Faye Lanier; Geri Bushel, NCECA advisor. Rutherford County's own Cathy Holmes and president of the West District, presided and introduced the theme, "ECA Springs Up For Change in 2015" - an appropriate theme as NCECA is currently facing organizational changes. Tracy Davis, Rutherford County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with whom ECA works, elaborated further on the positive aspects of change.

A large part of ECA's mission is volunteer work. Our NCECA advisor, Geri Bushel, brought to the group a presentation entitled, "Value of Volunteers". One of the highlights of local, district, and state level events is the Cultural Arts Competition. At Friday's event, Deborah Harmon of Rutherfordton won first place in the jewelry category as well as Best of Show.

A delicious lunch was catered by David Linder. Collectively, ECA groups can be found "springing up" with dedication to community as they continue on toward state conference time in October 2015.